Fear of super noise from super jumbos (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Fear of super noise from super jumbos

10:33am Friday 4th February 2005 in News By Colleen McDonnell

WHEN super-jumbo aeroplanes take to the skies it could mean "super-jumbo noise"for Richmond upon Thames residents.

And now the council plans to turn up the heat in its battle with the government over night-time flights.

It pledges to closely scrutinise phase two of the government's consultation on night flying restrictions at Heathrow, due out this month, and to persist with its long-term aim to secure a total ban on night flights.

Airbus, which is 80 per cent UK-owned, unveiled its super-jumbo last month in a glamorous ceremony. It will be the world's biggest passenger aircraft, due to start flying in 2006.

Richmond council leader Cllr Tony Arbour said: "It may be a good thing, but we are very concerned about the amount of noise. It may make super-jumbo noise, rather than jumbo noise."

Actual noise levels are not know about the Airbus A380 because it has not yet flown.

Cllr Arbour said: "We are hopeful that when the matter is reviewed we will get a number of needed figures. Common sense tells you that it is likely to be noisier."

Last year, Richmond upon Thames Council headed a coalition of local authorities, including Wandsworth, Hillingdon and Windsor and Maidenhead, which won a legal challenge against the government in the high court.

The government conceded in December, saying it would consider actual noise levels caused by pre-6am flights, rather than just the manufacturer's noise level figures. Kensington and Chelsea Council have just joined the coalition as the flight paths affect them too.

Cllr Arbour said there will be no let-up this year in the drive to outlaw night flights at Heathrow. The government's phase two consultation should reflect the outcome of the high court decision.

He said: "We will be watching very closely to ensure the concessions secured in our legal challenge are taken on board.

"The prospect of the new Airbus super-jumbo taking to the skies may delight the airlines but not people who have to live under its flight path.

"So I promise we will continue campaigning until night flights are ended and residents can finally enjoy a decent night's sleep."

Councillor Martin Elengorn, opposition transport spokesman, said: "Air travel, like all other major human activities, has to be sustainable in all senses. Night flights disadvantage the many for the sake of the few and that cannot be right."